De Ongelikte Beer

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25319

Title

De Ongelikte Beer

Language

nl

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this gripping tale, Jack London introduces Pat Glendon, a legendary but unlucky boxer who has suffered repeated defeats due to bizarre accidents and foul play. When a mysterious letter arrives from the retired champion himself, manager Sam Stubener travels to the wilds of California to find the aging legend and his miraculous young protégé. The story explores themes of nature versus civilization, the corruption of the boxing world, and the enduring spirit of a man who refuses to be...

Summary up to 500 words

The narrative begins with Sam Stubener, a seasoned boxing manager, receiving a strange letter from Pat Glendon, the 'Unlucky Bear.' Glendon, once a formidable heavyweight contender, has been plagued by a string of unfortunate events: breaking his arm just before a knockout, stumbling into the tide, and being disqualified for 'unsportsmanlike conduct' despite winning fairly. Now retired and living in the wilderness of Northern California, Glendon has raised a young, natural-born boxer named Pat. Stubener travels to the remote Antelope Valley to meet the old man and his ward. Upon arrival, Stubener is struck by the contrast between the rugged, nature-loving Glendon and the corrupt world of professional boxing. The young Pat is described as a 'maiden in the woods,' possessing immense physical power, a love for nature, and a purity unknown to city dwellers. However, the story quickly shifts to the ring, where the young Pat faces a seasoned opponent, Powers. In a stunning display of skill and deception, the young boxer simulates a knockout, allowing his opponent to fall while he remains standing. This act of 'double-crossing' wins him the match but leaves him shaken by the realization of the sport's inherent dishonesty. Following the fight, the young Pat meets Maud Sangster, a journalist who has been covering the fight. Initially cold and suspicious, she is won over when Pat reveals the truth about the simulated knockout. He explains that he was manipulated by the boxing establishment, unaware of the schemes until he consulted an old friend of his father. Realizing the extent of the corruption, he decides to leave the ring and return to the mountains. The story then transitions into a fable-like section, seemingly a dream or a separate narrative within the text, where a narrator describes a conflict with a tribal leader named Moosu. The narrator, initially plotting to steal food and undermine Moosu's authority, eventually feigns madness and repentance to save the starving village from Moosu's wrath. He tricks the people into believing the stored meat has vanished, causing chaos and allowing him to escape with Moosu on a sled, leaving the village to starve while his dogs feast. This allegorical segment highlights themes of power, deception, and survival. Returning to the main narrative, the young Pat and Maud share a moment of genuine connection, deciding to leave the corrupt world behind for a life in the mountains. The novel concludes with a reflection on the nature of the 'unlucky' man, who, despite his misfortunes, possesses a strength and integrity that the civilized world lacks. The story serves as a critique of the boxing industry and a celebration of the raw, untamed spirit of the wilderness.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction